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Custom Table Covers — Table Throw vs. Stretch Cover vs. Round Cover vs. Runner

How to choose between a draped table throw, a fitted stretch cover, a round or bar-height cover and a runner; how to size for 4, 6 and 8-ft tables; open-back vs. closed-back; and how to design fabric that photographs well. Made in the USA, ships nationwide in 2 business days.

Jun 14, 2026 9 min
Branded table throw, fitted stretch table cover and round cocktail table cover in a trade show booth

The table is where the conversation happens — dress it

Every booth, market stall, registration desk and sampling station has a table, and every one of those tables is either a branded surface or a wobbly folding table with a plastic cloth. A custom table cover is the fastest, cheapest upgrade in event display: it hides the legs and the boxes underneath, puts your logo at the exact height people look when they walk up, and folds into a tote bag. We print four formats, all dye-sublimated on 8.8 oz polyester so the colour is in the fibre and the cover is machine-washable.

The four formats at a glance

  • Table Throw (draped): the classic. A loose-fitting cover that drapes to the floor on the front and sides of a standard 4, 6 or 8-ft table. Open-back or closed-back. The everyday choice for trade shows and markets.
  • Stretch Table Cover (fitted): a tailored, elastic cover that hugs the table and hooks under the feet for a tight, wrinkle-free silhouette. Photographs like a built display. Sized for 6 and 8-ft folding tables.
  • Round Table Cover: cut and sewn for 31.5", 36", 48" and 60" round tables at standard or bar height, with a hemmed drop. Hospitality suites, cocktail tables, registration and networking events.
  • Table Runner: a printed strip that lays over an existing cloth (yours or the venue's). The economical way to brand a table you did not bring, or to layer a logo over a solid throw.

Draped throw vs. stretch cover — which one?

  • Choose the draped throw when: you want the widest compatibility (it forgives table size differences), you need the open back so staff can sit and reach stock, or you are outfitting many tables on a budget.
  • Choose the stretch cover when: the booth will be photographed, you want a modern, tailored look, the table is a fixed size, or you are tired of re-smoothing a draped cloth every hour. It also survives wind on outdoor tables far better because it is tensioned to the legs.
  • Both print edge-to-edge in full colour, and both machine-wash cold.

Open back or closed back?

A closed-back throw covers all four sides for 360° branding — right for island tables, product displays and any table people walk around. An open-back throw leaves the rear open so staff can sit on a stool, tuck chairs in and reach the boxes stored underneath — right for a table against the back wall or the front of a booth. If you are unsure, order open-back; nobody sees the back of a table that faces an aisle.

Sizing your table

  • Standard folding tables are 30" tall and 30" deep; lengths are 4 ft (48"), 6 ft (72") and 8 ft (96"). Our throws and stretch covers are cut to those sizes — measure your table before ordering.
  • Round tables: measure the diameter across the top (31.5", 36", 48" or 60") and note whether it is standard height (~30") or bar height (~42").
  • Runners: choose the width (typically 24–30") and a length that reaches the floor on both ends of the table or stops short for a layered look. Custom sizes are available.
  • Venue-supplied tables are almost always 6 or 8 ft; ask the organiser for the spec sheet.

Designing a table cover that works

  • The front panel is the hero. Put the logo centred, 10–14 inches tall, in the top half of the front drop where it is not hidden by chairs, products or a person leaning on the table.
  • Keep the tabletop simple — it will be covered in products and paperwork. A solid colour or a subtle pattern is enough.
  • Use saturated colours: exhibition halls are lit from above and the front drop sits in shade.
  • Avoid fine type under 1 inch; fabric drape softens small text.
  • Runners are read down their length — orient the logo so it faces the aisle, not the tabletop.
  • Supply CMYK PDF, AI, EPS, TIFF or PSD at 150 DPI full size on our template for the specific table size; a Kolt designer pre-flights every file and sends a proof.

Care and re-use

  • Machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle, no bleach, hang to dry. Dye-sublimated colour will not run, fade or rub off.
  • Steam or iron on the polyester setting from the reverse to remove travel creases; stretch covers rarely need it.
  • Fold loosely and store in a bag with the tent or banner stand so the whole booth travels together.
  • Flame retardant: 8.8 oz polyester meets NFPA 701, the standard convention centres and hotels require.

Build a complete booth

A table cover, a retractable banner and a tabletop tension display make a compact indoor booth. Outdoors, pair the cover with a printed tent and back wall so the table and canopy read as one brand from across the fairground.

Turnaround and shipping

All four table cover formats ship in 2 business days from artwork approval, with a 1-business-day rush available. Every cover is dye-sublimated and sewn in the USA in our Houston, Texas facility and ships nationwide via FedEx or UPS — most of the country in 1–3 business days by ground. Ordering a matched set for several tables? Add each size as a separate job and they ship together.

Frequently asked questions

Are your table covers made in the USA?
Yes. Every throw, stretch cover, round cover and runner is printed, sewn and finished in our Houston, Texas facility — made in the USA — and ships nationwide to all 50 states.
What size table cover do I need for a 6-ft table?
A 6-ft table throw or a 6-ft stretch cover, both cut for a 72" × 30" × 30" folding table. Measure your table first; venue tables are usually 6 or 8 ft.
Open back or closed back — which should I choose?
Open back if staff sit behind the table or need to reach stock underneath; closed back if people walk all the way around the table or you want 360° branding.
Can I wash a printed table cover?
Yes — machine-wash cold, gentle cycle, hang dry. Dye-sublimated colour is inside the fibre and does not fade or run.
Will a stretch cover fit any table?
Stretch covers are cut for 6-ft and 8-ft standard folding tables and hook under the feet. For other sizes choose a draped throw or a runner.
Do you make covers for cocktail or bar-height tables?
Yes — the round table cover is available for 31.5", 36", 48" and 60" diameters at standard or bar height.
What is the turnaround?
2 business days standard, 1 business day rush, plus 1–3 days ground shipping nationwide.
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Kolt Printing ships from Houston, TX every business day.

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